Non-jazz blogs

TradJazzers

2010-04-05

Lion, it catches up with you!

"The last time I saw my old friend [James P. Johnson], he was in a coma. For two weeks he hadn't spoken to anybody. I thought to myself: Old Fats, the Gemini; James P., the Aquarius; and Willie, Sagittarius. There was an old piano in the room and I sat down. I played the "Carolina Shout". It was his tune, his piano selection, and I played it like he played it. It was stride piano, guys playing with two hands. Then Jimmy opened his eyes and smiled. He managed to write out a message. LION, it said, THEY WERE TOO GOOD TO THE PIANO PLAYERS WITH ALL THAT FREE BOOZE AND RICH FOOD. IT CATCHES UP WITH YOU."